General

12.10.2018

Film Launched to Highlight A Place to Call Home Campaign

“When I move here a dream comes true. This house means everything to me” – Shafi.

Geoffrey Perrin giving an update on A Place to Call Home – the diocesan refugee accommodation project.

A short film highlighting aims and impacts of A Place to Call Home – the Dublin &
Glendalough Refugee Accommodation Project – has been launched. The steering committee of A Place to Call Home worked with film maker Greg Fromholz to produce the film about the diocesan project which supports the Irish Refugee Council’s innovative programme offering ‘next step’ accommodation and assistance for people exiting Direct Provision.

The film can be used in parishes, schools and organisations throughout the United Dioceses to promote the project as part of the ongoing three year fundraising programme. The steering committee has also produced resources which can be used in Sunday Clubs and All Age Services.

Speaking at Dublin & Glendalough Synods during the week, steering committee chairperson, Geoffrey Perrin, said that the project had reached its half way point, both in time and funds raised. At the 18 month mark the amount raised is
€150,000.

“Quite often we hear cries like ‘Where is God in all of this?’ and ‘What can the church really do?’ Let me give you some answers. We are all too well aware of the housing crisis in the country and especially in Dublin. But just think how much more difficult this crisis is if you arrive here as an immigrant or an asylum seeker,”
he said.

“As Christians we have a faith to proclaim. We have a faith to put into action. I realise that there are many ways we can express this faith. We have a crisis in the city and I’m really pleased that our dioceses have chosen to help in this way.
So far we have raised €150,000 but we want to continue to drive on this project,” he added.

All clergy at Synod were given an envelope with suggested material for Sunday Club and all age worship and ideas for fundraising initiatives. Also included was information from the Irish Refugee Council detailing representatives who are willing to speak in churches and posters highlighting the project. The Sunday Club resources and the video can be downloaded from the website along with details of how to donate https://dublin.anglican.org/…/diocesan-refugee-housing-appe…

Geoffrey thanked Canon Horace McKinley who came up with the idea for the project and concluded: “We have a massive challenge in this city and we need to meet that challenge”.